Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh remain closed after protests over visa delays
- In Reports
- 08:13 PM, Aug 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) in Dhaka and Sathkira, Bangladesh, were closed on Tuesday, following protests by hundreds of applicants over delays in obtaining visas. The protests erupted on Monday as people demanded the return of their passports.
In response to the situation, IVAC released a statement saying, “Due to limited operations, the visa process may take longer. Therefore, we are returning passports now, and they will be re-processed once operations resume. Applicants will be notified via SMS to resubmit their passports.”
On social media, an X user posted a video showing long queues at the Indian Visa Centre at Jamuna Mall in Dhaka on Monday. The user attributed the delays to a shortage of staff at the centre, stating, “Majority of the staff went back to India, and the Embassy is running with limited capacity. They don’t have manpower.”
According to a report by The Daily Star, the protests broke out as applicants demanded the return of their passports. An official from the Indian High Commission mentioned that the passports were being returned as requested, while the visa applications would remain active to be processed once full operational capacity is restored. The official further noted that the staff at the visa centre felt “harassed” and “threatened” due to the protests. “We have taken up this with the MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). We have sent the note verbale. We need enhanced security. Such a situation should not happen again,” the official was quoted as saying.
Rustam Ali, a resident of Sathkira, shared his frustration with the Dhaka Tribune, saying, “Getting an Indian visa has become a matter of luck. You can’t apply again unless two months have passed since your last attempt. The application fee is Tk 875, and while the visa is supposed to be issued within 15 days, it often takes 2-3 months, and even then, the visa doesn’t arrive, nor is the passport returned.” Ali stressed the urgency of his situation, citing his need to travel to India for medical treatment.
Many Bangladeshi citizens seek medical care in Indian hospitals. During Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in June 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to introduce an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in India.
Meanwhile, police at Itagacha in Sathkira reported that some applicants had their passports returned and were assured that their concerns would be communicated to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The Dhaka Tribune also reported that police were deployed to manage the situation at the visa centre.
Earlier this month, the IVAC had suspended operations due to violent clashes in Bangladesh that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India last week amid widespread protests against her Awami League-led government over a controversial job quota system. The IVAC resumed “limited operations” at the Dhaka centre on August 13.
Bangladeshi citizens primarily visit India for tourism, medical, and educational purposes. Of these visitors, approximately 60 percent travel for tourism, 30 percent for medical reasons, and 10 percent for other purposes.
Image source: ToI
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